Misplaced Pages

Hinduism and Jainism

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Rizhwickh (talk | contribs) at 21:07, 27 October 2021 (Rv sock puppet WP:HG). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Revision as of 21:07, 27 October 2021 by Rizhwickh (talk | contribs) (Rv sock puppet WP:HG)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Ancient Indian religions

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Hinduism and Jainism" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (June 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Part of a series on
Jainism
Philosophy
EthicsEthics of Jainism
Mahavratas (major vows)
Anuvratas (further vows)
Jain prayers
Major figures
Major sectsSchools and Branches
Jain literature
Festivals
PilgrimagesTirth
Other

Jainism and Hinduism are two ancient Indian religions. There are some similarities and differences between the two religions. Temples, gods, rituals, fasts and other religious components of Jainism are different from those of Hinduism.

"Jain" is derived from the word Jina, referring to a human being who has conquered all inner passions (like anger, attachment, greed and pride) and possesses Kaivalyagyana (pure infinite knowledge). Followers of the path shown by the Jinas are called Jains. Followers of Brahma, Visnu and Rudra are called Hindus.

Philosophical similarities and differences

Jainism and Hinduism have many similar characteristic features, including the concepts of samsara, karma and moksha. However, they differ over the precise nature and meaning of these concepts. The doctrine of Jainism has minor similarities with the Nyaya-Vaisheshika and samkhya school. The Jain doctrine teaches atomism which is also found in the Vaisheshika system and atheism which is found in Samkhya. Within the doctrine of Jainism, there exist many metaphysical concepts which are not known in Hinduism, some of which are dharma and Adharma tattva (which are seen as substances within the Jain metaphysical system), Gunasthanas and Lesyas. The epistemological concepts of Anekantavada and Syadvada are not found in the Hindu system. There were, in the past, attempts made to merge the concepts of Hindu gods and the Tirthankara of Jainism. The cosmography of Hindus resembles that of the Jains and there are similar names of heavenly gods within these systems.

In the Upanishads, there also occur the first statements of the view, dominant in Jainist teachings and elsewhere, that rebirth is undesirable and that it is possible by controlling or stopping one's actions to put an end to it and attain a state of deliverance (moksha) which lies beyond action.

Moksha (liberation)

In Hinduism, moksha means merging of soul with universal soul or eternal being and escaping the cycle of births and deaths; in Jainism, it is blissful existence with infinite knowledge. In Vedic philosophy, salvation is giving up the sense of being a doer and realizing Self to be the same as Universe and God. In Jainism, salvation can be achieved only through self-effort and is considered to be the right of human beings.

In Jainism, one definite path to attain liberation (moksha) is prescribed. The prescribed threefold path consists of the three jewels of Jainism (Right perception, Right knowledge, Right conduct). In Hinduism, one definite path to salvation is not known.

Universe

Further information: Jainism and non-creationism

According to Jain cosmology, the universe is eternal: it is neither created nor can it be destroyed. In Hinduism, the universe is believed to have been formed by a creator, and will be destroyed by God, to be created once again.

Karma

Further information: Karma in Jainism and Karma in Hinduism

Karma is an invisible force in Hinduism, whereas in Jainism it is a form of particulate matter which can adhere to the soul. As per Jainism, the consequence of karma occurs by natural nirjara of karma particles from the soul. Hindus rejected this concept and believe that the God or the creator of this universe is karmaphaldata, and rewards the fruits of past actions to each individual.

Worship

In Hinduism, Gods are worshiped in several ways and for several reasons such as knowledge, peace, wisdom, health, and it also believed to be one's duty to pray god as God is considered as our maker (as we originated from them and we are staying in them and at last will merge with them), for moksha, and are also offered food as a respect, etc. In Jainism, the siddhas represent the true goal of all human beings, their qualities are worshiped by the Jains.

Self-defence and soldiering

Jains and Hindus have opinion that violence in self-defence can be justified, and they agree that a soldier who kills enemies in combat is performing a legitimate duty. Jain communities accepted the use of military power for their defence, there were Jain monarchs, military commanders, and soldiers.

Women

The religion of Jains included women in their fourfold sangha; the religious order of Jain laymen, laywomen, monks and nuns. There was a disagreement between early Hinduism, and ascetic movements such as Jainism with the scriptural access to women. However, the early svetambara scriptures prevented pregnant women, young women or those who have a small child, to enter to the ranks of nun. Regardless, the number of nuns given in those texts were always double the number of monks. Parshvanatha and Mahavira, the two historical Tirthankars, had large numbers of female devotees and ascetics. Tirthankara Mahavira and Jain monks are credited with raising the status of women.

Religious texts

Hindus do not accept any Jain text and Jains do not recognize any Hindu scripture.

The Vedas

The scriptures known as Vedas are regarded by Hindus as one of the foundations of Hinduism. Those who rejected the Vedas as the prime source of religious knowledge were labeled "nāstika". As a consequence, Jainism and Buddhism were categorized as nāstika darśana.

The orthodox schools of Hinduism, such as Vedanta, Mimamsa and Samkhya, claim the Sruti do not have any author and hence are supreme to other religious scriptures. This position was countered by Jains who said that saying Vedas are authorless was equivalent to saying that anonymous poems are written by nobody. Jain scriptures, on the contrary, were believed by them to be of human origin, brought through omniscient teachers, and hence claimed greater worth. According to Jains, the origin of Vedas lies with Marichi, the son of Bharata Chakravarti, who was the son of the first Tirthankara Rishabha. Jains maintain that these scriptures were later modified. Jains pointed that Hindus do not know their own scriptures since they were unaware of the names of tirthankaras present in Vedas.

Jains had a long-standing debate with Mimamsa school of Hinduism. Kumarila Bhatta, a proponent of Mimamsa school, argued that the Vedas are the source of all knowledge and it is through them that humans can differentiate between right and wrong. Jain monks, such as Haribhadra, held that humans are already in possession of all the knowledge, which only needs to be illuminated or uncovered in order to gain the status of omniscience.

Vedic sacrifices

The practice of Vedic animal sacrifices was opposed by Jains. Acharya Hemchandra, a Jain monk, cites passages from Manusmriti, one of the law book of Hindus, to demonstrate how, in light of false scriptures, Hindus have resorted to violence. Akalanka, another Jain monk, sarcastically said that if killing can result in enlightenment, one should become a hunter or fisherman.

Hindu epics and Jain epics

The rejection of Jain epics and scriptures were dominant in Hinduism since very early times. On the other hand, central Hindu scriptures and epics like Vedas, Mahabharata and Ramayana are categorized as false scriptures in Nandi-sutra, one of the svetambara's canonical literature. Later, Hindus adapted various Jain epics in accordance with their own system. There were disputes between Jains and Hindus in form of these epics.

Jain deities and Hindu texts

See also: Rama in Jainism and Rishabha (Hinduism)

Within the doctrine of Jainism, the tirthankara holds the highest status. Hemachandra Acharya says that a Jindeva is the one who has conquered his internal desires and passions. This requirement, according to him, was fulfilled only by the tirthankara. Hence their path for spiritual upliftment and salvation is rejected by the Jains.

Some personage mentioned in the Vedas and Jain scriptures are same. There is mention of the first tirthankara, Rishabhanatha in Rig Veda and Vishnu Purana. Rig Veda, X. 12. 166 states-

0 Rudra-like Divinity ! do thou produce amongst us, of high descent, a Great God, like Rishabha Deva, by becoming Arhan, which is the epithet of the first World Teacher; let Him become the destroyer of the enemies !

Vishnu Purāna mentions:

ऋषभो मरुदेव्याश्च ऋषभात भरतो भवेत्
भरताद भारतं वर्षं, भरतात सुमतिस्त्वभूत्
Rishabha was born to Marudevi, Bharata was born to Rishabh,
Bharatavarsha (India) arose from Bharata, and Sumati arose from Bharata.
—Vishnu Purana (2,1,31)

In the Skanda Purana (chapter 37) it is stated that "Rishabha was the son of Nabhiraja, and Rishabha had a son named Bharata, and after the name of this Bharata, this country is known as Bharata-varsha."

In the "Brahmottara-candam" section of the Brahma Purana, the narrator Suta describes many matters relating to Shaivism and in the 16th portion, there is a story about Bhadrabahu receiving instructions in a mantra from Rishabha yogi.

The Linga Purana mentions that in every kali yuga, Lord Shiva has incarnated, and that in one kali yuga he was a Yogeshwara (one of His 28 incarnations) named Rishabha.

History

Jainism is considered to be distinct and separate from Vedic religion and originated from' 'Sramana or Arahata tradition.

Ancient

Jains and Hindus have coexisted in Tamil country since at least the second century BCE.

Medieval

Competition between Jains and Vedic Brahmans, between Jains and Hindu Shaivas, is a frequent motif of all medieval western Indian narratives, but the two communities for the most part coexisted and coprospered. Shaiva kings patronised Jain mendicants, and Jain officials patronised Brahmana poets.

Decline of Jainism

Around the 8th century CE, Hindu philosopher Ādi Śaṅkarācārya tried to restore the Vedic religion. Śaṅkarācārya brought forward the doctrine of Advaita. The Vaishnavism and Shaivism also began to rise. This was particularly in the southern Indian states.

According to a Saivite legend, the Pandya king Koon Pandiyan ordered a massacre of 8,000 Jain monks. This event is depicted graphically in walls of Tivatur in North Arcot. In Gujarat, Hindu ruler Ajaypal executed Acharya Ramchandra, who was successor of Hemchandra Acharya and launched systematic genocide of Jain sadhus across the state.

Jains and the Hindu society

The neutrality of this section is disputed. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please do not remove this message until conditions to do so are met. (September 2015) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Jain scholars and some monks in general allowed a sort of cautious integration with the Hindu society. In today's date, there are a lot of common aspects in social and cultural life of Hindus and Jains. It is quite difficult to differentiate a lay Jain from a lay Hindu. The Jain code of conduct is quite similar to that which is found in Hindu Dharmasashtra, Manusmriti and other Law books of Brahmans. Many Jains now worship Hindu gods and celebrate Hindu festivals. The difference in the rituals of practitioners of the two religions would be that the Jains do not give any importance to bathing in holy water. According to religious scholar M. Whitney Kelting, some of the "names and narratives" in the Hindu's list of satis are also found in the Jain tradition. In the Hindu context, a sati is a virtuous wife who protects her husband and his family and has the "intention to die before, or with," her husband. Kelting notes that those satis who die on the funeral pyre of their husband, or who "intended to die" but were prevented from death, may attain a status called satimata. Kelting says that the Jain tradition, due to principle of non-violence and equanimity, doesn't allow self-immolation. They, instead, see renunciation rather than self-sacrifice as the highest ideal for a Jain sati. Hindus think Jainism is simply another branch of Hinduism. Jain historians like Champat Rai Jain, held that Hindus are Jaina allegorists who have allegorised the Jain teachings.

Hindu revivalism and Indian identities

With the onset of British colonialism, select groups of Indians developed responses to the British dominance and the British critique of Hinduism. In this context, various responses toward Jainism developed.

Dayanand Saraswati and the Arya Samaj

The Arya Samaj was founded by Dayanand Saraswati (1824-1883), who "was the solitary champion of Vedic authority and infallibility". Swami Dayanand Saraswati authored Satyarth Prakash, a book containing the basic teachings of Saraswati and the Arya Samaj. It contains "Dayananda's bitter criticisms of the major non-Vedic religions of Indian origins." In the Satyarth Prakash, he writes that he regarded Jainism as "the most dreadful religion", and that Jains are "possessed of defective and childish understanding."

Relations

Parmara ruler Subhatavarman attacked Gujarat and plundered large number of Jain temples in Dabhoi and Cambay in 11th century. Veerashaivas and Lingayats, the two offshoots of shaivite Hinduism showed hostility towards Jains. Inscriptions from the Srisailam area of Andhra Pradesh record the pride taken by Veerashaiva chiefs in beheading of shwetambar Jains.

Dharmasthala Temple shows the communal harmony between Jains and Hindus, as the priests of the temple are Shivalli Brahmins, who are Vaishnava, and the administration is run by a Jain Bunt family.

See also

Further reading

Notes

  1. Daniels cites Dayanand in his investigation of the claim that "Hinduism is the most tolerant of all religions and Hindu tolerance is the best answer in fostering peace and harmony in a multi-religious society", taking Swami Vivekananda, Swami Dayananda and Mahatama Gandhi as cases. He asks the question "Why was Dayananda so aggressive and negative in his response to other religions?". Panicker also mentions that Dayanand's views are "strongly condemnatory, predominantly negative and positively intolerant and aggressive."

References

  1. Sangave 2001, p. 135-136.
  2. Sangave 2001, p. 138.
  3. Sangave 2001, p. 15.
  4. Sangave 2001, p. 164.
  5. "Hinduism". Encyclopædia Britannica.
  6. ^ Glasenapp 1999, p. 496.
  7. ^ Glasenapp 1999, p. 497.
  8. Dundas 2002, p. 15.
  9. Kajaria, Vish (13 February 2019). Moksha: Self-Liberation Through Self-Knowledge. Independently Published. ISBN 978-1-09-791542-2.
  10. ^ Sangave 2001, p. 137.
  11. Kothari, Pukhraj Ajay (2000). "The Concept of Divinity in Jainism".
  12. Zimmer 1953, p. 181.
  13. Zimmer 1953, p. 182.
  14. Jain, Arun Kumar (2009). Faith & Philosophy of Jainism. ISBN 9788178357232.
  15. Nisithabhasya (in Nisithasutra) 289; Jinadatta Suri: Upadesharasayana 26; Dundas pp. 162–163; Tähtinen p. 31.
  16. Jindal pp. 89–90; Laidlaw pp. 154–155; Jaini, Padmanabh S.: Ahimsa and "Just War" in Jainism, in: Ahimsa, Anekanta and Jainism, ed. Tara Sethia, New Delhi 2004, p. 52–60; Tähtinen p. 31.
  17. Harisena, Brhatkathakosa 124 (10th century); Jindal pp. 90–91; Sangave p. 259.
  18. ^ Balbir, p. 121. sfn error: no target: CITEREFBalbir (help)
  19. ^ Balbir, p. 122. sfn error: no target: CITEREFBalbir (help)
  20. Sangave 2001, p. 147-148.
  21. ^ George 2008, p. 318.
  22. Sangave 2001, p. 136.
  23. ^ Nicholson 2010.
  24. ^ Dundas, p. 234. sfn error: no target: CITEREFDundas (help)
  25. Feynes, p. xxiv. sfn error: no target: CITEREFFeynes (help)
  26. ^ Glasenapp, p. 497. sfn error: no target: CITEREFGlasenapp (help)
  27. Olle 2006, p. 91. sfn error: no target: CITEREFOlle2006 (help)
  28. Dundas 2002, p. 237.
  29. Iyengar, p. 62. sfn error: no target: CITEREFIyengar (help)
  30. Schubring, p. 17. sfn error: no target: CITEREFSchubring (help)
  31. Jaini, p. 305. sfn error: no target: CITEREFJaini (help)
  32. Vaidya, Chintaman Vinayak (2001). Epic India, Or, India as Described in the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 978-81-206-1564-9.
  33. Jain 1929, p. 74.
  34. Sangave 2001, p. 106.
  35. P. 88, Madras Journal of Literature and Science, Volume 11 By Madras Literary Society and Auxiliary of the Royal Asiatic Society
  36. P. 16 Linga Purana By Vinay. The list is in order is: Shweta, Sutara, Madana, Suhotra, Kanchana, Lokakshee, Jagishavya, Dadhivahana, Rishabha, Muni, Ugra, Atri, Vali, Gautama, Vedashrira, Gokarna, Guhavasi, Shikhandabhriti, Jatamali, Attahasa, Daruka, Langali, Mahakaya, Shuli, Mundishvara, Sahishnu, Somasharma, and Jagadguru.
  37. George 2008, p. 317-318.
  38. John E. Cort 1998, p. 187.
  39. ^ John E. Cort 1998, p. 87.
  40. Glasenapp 1999, p. 70.
  41. Glasenapp 1999, pp. 70–71.
  42. Chandramouli, Anuja (23 November 2017). Prithviraj Chauhan: The Emperor of Hearts. ISBN 9789387326354.
  43. Jaini, p. 287. sfn error: no target: CITEREFJaini (help)
  44. Glasenapp 1999, p. 493.
  45. ^ Glasenapp 1999, p. 494.
  46. Babb, pp. 3–4. sfn error: no target: CITEREFBabb (help)
  47. ^ Keilting 2006, p. 183. sfn error: no target: CITEREFKeilting2006 (help)
  48. Keilting 2009, p. 22. sfn error: no target: CITEREFKeilting2009 (help)
  49. Keilting 2009, p. 21. sfn error: no target: CITEREFKeilting2009 (help)
  50. Jain 1929, p. 154.
  51. ^ Rambachan 1994, p. 38.
  52. Dodson, Michael S.; Hatcher, Brian A. (28 February 2013). Trans-Colonial Modernities in South Asia. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-136-48445-2.
  53. Panicker 2006, p. 38.
  54. Panicker 2006, p. 38-39.
  55. ^ Panicker 2006, p. 39.
  56. ^ Daniel 2000, p. 92.
  57. ^ Eastern Book Company, About the Book:, Hindu Response to Religious Pluralism (P.S. Daniels (2000))
  58. Mishra, Vinay Chandra; Singh, Parmanand (1991). "Ram Janmabhoomi, Babri Masjid: Historical Documents, Legal Opinions, and Judgements".
  59. Romilla Thapar (1994). Cultural Transactions and early India, p.17. ISBN 9780195633641.
  60. "Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala". shridharmasthala.org. Archived from the original on 7 January 2013. Retrieved 16 June 2015.

Sources

Jainism topics
Gods
Philosophy
Branches
Digambara
Śvetāmbara
Practices
Literature
Symbols
Ascetics
Scholars
Community
Jainism in
India
Overseas
Jainism and
Dynasties and empires
Related
Lists
Navboxes
icon Religion portal
Categories: